Zenith Bank Names Dr. Adaora Umeoji as First Female CEO

In a historic move, Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Dame (Dr.) Adaora Umeoji as its new Group Managing Director (GMD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first female to hold this position in the esteemed tier one bank. The appointment is slated to take effect on June 1, 2024, pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Dr. Umeoji will succeed Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, whose highly successful five-year term as CEO concludes on May 31, 2024.

Her selection aligns with Zenith Bank’s tradition of executive transition, succession planning, and the strategic cultivation of leaders from within its ranks.

Having served as the Deputy Managing Director of Zenith Bank since October 28, 2016, Dr. Umeoji brings nearly three decades of extensive banking experience to her new role, with an impressive 26-year tenure at Zenith Bank. She holds degrees from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, Columbia Business School, University of Salford, University of Calabar, and Apollos University, USA.

In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Umeoji is a fellow of several professional bodies and has received accolades for her contributions to nation-building, including the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) from the Federal Government of Nigeria. She is also a renowned Peace Advocate of the United Nations (UN-POLAC).

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Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Umeoji is known for her philanthropic endeavors, notably through NGOs such as the Pink Breathe Cancer Foundation and the Adorable Foundation, focusing on cancer education and supporting indigent children’s education, especially girls.

Her commitment to ethical banking and service to humanity led to the establishment of the Catholic Bankers Association of Nigeria (CBAN), a platform promoting professionalism and social responsibility within the banking sector.

Dr. Adaora Umeoji’s appointment as the first female CEO of Zenith Bank reflects not only her exceptional qualifications but also signals a progressive step forward in gender diversity and leadership within Nigeria’s banking industry.

Source: Heritage Times